How can you overcome systemic barriers to program participation?

If you work in non-profit program development, you know how challenging it can be to design and implement programs that reach and engage your target population. Sometimes, there are systemic barriers that prevent or discourage people from participating in your programs, such as poverty, discrimination, stigma, lack of access, or mistrust. How can you overcome these barriers and create more inclusive and effective programs? Here are some strategies that can help you.

1 Understand your audience

The first step to overcoming systemic barriers is to understand who your audience is, what their needs and preferences are, and what challenges they face. You can do this by conducting a needs assessment, using data and research, and engaging with your audience directly. This will help you identify the gaps and opportunities in your program design, as well as the potential solutions and resources that can address them.

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Veronica Morejon

Ocean Advocate | Inclusive and equitable marine conservation education | @breachthesurface Founder | FWW Organizer |
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Who is participating in our programs? Are they primarily other advocates, individuals, or communities most impacted? It's important to have a diverse mix of participants. Individuals who can personally relate to your movements can bring valuable insights, while empowering the communities most affected is crucial for creating meaningful change.

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Moges Tsigabu ,MD

Medical Doctor, Founder and Executive Director of @Hih-HEAL initiative for health, Public Health Advocate, Research intern at MARCH research center in MU and MPH candidate at Mekelle University.
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Systemic barriers in programmes of education, healthcare, and employment hinder underrepresented groups from participating. To overcome these, organizations should identify and understand these barriers through research, engage with affected communities, implement inclusive policies, enhance accessibility, build partnerships, and continuously monitor their effectiveness. Addressing biases, lack of accessibility, financial constraints, and cultural insensitivity can create equitable access and foster inclusive environments.

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Giovana M.

🌍 International Development Leader | Monitoring & Evaluation | Transforming Data into Impact | Fundraising Strategist | Driving Equity, Inclusion & Impact Globally
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To effectively overcome systemic barriers to program participation, it's paramount to thoroughly understand your audience. By conducting comprehensive needs assessments, leveraging data and research, and engaging directly with your target demographic, you can gain insights into their needs, preferences, and challenges. This understanding enables you to identify gaps and opportunities in program design and develop tailored solutions and resources to address them, fostering inclusivity and equity in program participation.

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2 Collaborate with partners

The second step to overcoming systemic barriers is to collaborate with partners who can help you reach and support your audience. These can be other non-profits, community organizations, government agencies, or private sector entities that share your vision and goals. By working with partners, you can leverage their expertise, networks, resources, and credibility to increase your program's reach, impact, and sustainability.

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Richard Shutes

Vice President of Inform Florida |Co-Chair of the 211 National Steering Committee| 211 & 988 Subject Matter Expert| Public Speaker| Mental Health Advocate| Partnerships
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Working in the field of non-profit you notice that there are a lot of interconnectedness amongst programs. Leveraging these connections and network of compassionate people will help overcome systemic barriers. Being able to learn from other's experience and expertise will further your own impact in the community.

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3 Adapt to the context

The third step to overcoming systemic barriers is to adapt your program to the context and circumstances of your audience. This means being flexible, responsive, and innovative in your program delivery, content, and evaluation. You can do this by using different modes and platforms, such as online, mobile, or offline; by tailoring your program to the cultural, linguistic, and social norms of your audience; and by collecting and using feedback to improve your program.

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4 Empower your participants

The fourth step to overcoming systemic barriers is to empower your participants to take ownership and leadership of your program. This means involving them in the design, implementation, and evaluation of your program; by providing them with opportunities and incentives to learn, grow, and contribute; and by recognizing and celebrating their achievements and stories. This will help you build trust, loyalty, and advocacy among your participants, as well as foster a sense of community and belonging.

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5 Advocate for change

The fifth step to overcoming systemic barriers is to advocate for change at the systemic level. This means using your program as a platform and a tool to raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize action on the issues and causes that affect your audience. You can do this by sharing your program's results, impact, and lessons learned; by engaging with decision-makers, media, and stakeholders; and by collaborating with other advocates and allies.

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6 Learn and improve

The sixth step to overcoming systemic barriers is to learn and improve your program continuously. This means monitoring and evaluating your program's performance, outcomes, and impact; by using data and evidence to inform your decisions and actions; and by seeking and applying best practices and innovations from your field and beyond. This will help you enhance your program's quality, effectiveness, and relevance, as well as demonstrate your accountability and credibility.

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Giovana M.

🌍 International Development Leader | Monitoring & Evaluation | Transforming Data into Impact | Fundraising Strategist | Driving Equity, Inclusion & Impact Globally
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To effectively overcome systemic barriers to program participation, it's essential to prioritize continuous learning and improvement. This involves regularly monitoring and evaluating program performance, outcomes, and impact, utilizing data and evidence to guide decision-making. Embrace best practices and innovations from your field and beyond to enhance program quality, effectiveness, and relevance. By committing to ongoing learning and improvement, organizations can demonstrate accountability, build credibility, and ensure programs are responsive to the evolving needs of participants, ultimately fostering greater inclusivity and success.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you overcome systemic barriers to program participation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand your audience

2 Collaborate with partners

3 Adapt to the context

4 Empower your participants

5 Advocate for change

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Program Development

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How can you overcome systemic barriers to program participation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand your audience

2 Collaborate with partners

3 Adapt to the context

4 Empower your participants

5 Advocate for change

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Program Development

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